Dosing and uses of Deplin (L-methylfolate)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 7.5mg
- 15mg
Depression
Adjunctive treatment to antidepressant medication
7.5 - 15 mg PO qDay
Megaloblastic Anemia
7.5 - 15 mg PO qDay
Renal & Hepatic Impairment
Moderate-to-severe renal or hepatic impairment: Not to exceed 40 mg/day
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety and efficacy not established
Geriatric dosage forms and strengths
Depression
Enhances the effect of antidepressants when taken concomitantly
7.5 mg – 15 mg PO qDay
Megaloblastic Anemia
7.5 mg – 15 mg PO qDay
Deplin (L-methylfolate) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Altered sleep patterns
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Overactivity
Excitement
Confusion
Impaired judgment
Anorexia
Nausea
AbdominaL
Distention
Flatulence
Bitter or bad taste
Warnings
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Previous intolerance to the supplement
Cautions
Not for administration as monotherapy in pernicious or other megaloblastic anemias when present with vitamin B12 deficiency
Doses >0.1 mg/day may obscure pernicious anemia; hematology remission can be achieved while irreversible nerve damage continues to progress
Product is to be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category A
Lactation: Distributed in breast milk; amount present in milk adequate to fulfill infant daily requirements
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Nutrition
Folate occurs naturally in many foods, particularly leafy green vegetables. L-methylfolate is a medical nutritional supplement used in patients that have conditions related to folate deficiency.
Function
Used for dietary management of low plasma or low red blood cell folate. Deplin is a medical nutritional supplement that provides the body with folate.
Other Information
Patients that become pregnant should inform their doctor about the pregnancy.
Patients that receive folic acid therapy for a prolonged period of time may experience a decrease in vitamin B12 serum levels.
Pharmacology of Deplin (L-methylfolate)
Peak Plasma Time: 1 hr
Metabolism: Liver
Excretion: feces (traces), urine (90%)
Mechanism of action
L-methylfolate is the primary biologically active isomer of folic acid and the primary form of folate in circulation
Folic acid is a precursor of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved as a cofactor for transformylation reactions
These reactions are involved in the biosynthesis of thymidylates and purines of nucleic acids
The mechanism as an adjunct therapy in depression is unknown
Administration
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use only the strength of l-methylfolate that your doctor has prescribed. Do not switch brands without your doctor's advice.
You may take l-methylfolate with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
L-methylfolate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include other medications, and psychological counseling when used in people with depression or schizophrenia. Follow your medication and counseling routines very closely.
Store at cool room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
